Johnnie Walker has announced a limited-edition whisky release under its Blue Label series, the “Elusive Umami.”
A statement from the iconic whisky maker noted that Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami was crafted by Master Blender Emma Walker and world-renowned Japanese Chef Kei Kobayashi.
The new blend sets out to encapsulate the taste of umami, a Japanese word used to identify the fifth taste, a flavor that’s hard to explain and possesses mysterious qualities.
“When we set out to create Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami,” said Walker, “it wasn’t just a blending experience, but a gastronomic exploration. Getting acquainted with the intensity of the umami flavor was the key to creating this exceptional Scotch Whisky. Best served neat with caviar to unlock the full depth of this unique sensory experience.”
As the whisky maker and chef took on the exercise to decode the mysterious flavor, they brought about a balanced blended Scotch whisky of sweet and savory flavors.
The distiller’s notes show the Elusive Umami whisky to have flavors of blood oranges and red berries, with sweet wood spice, a touch of smoked meat, a hint of salt and pepper with a long, sweet fruit finish.
Barrie explained that only one cask out of 25,000 in the Johnnie Walker library of whisky made the cut in the search for the elusive flavor profile.
And Chef Kobayashi suggested that this expression is best served alongside caviar to unlock the full depth of its unique sensory experience. In fact, sturgeon caviar is recommended for its undeniable concentration of umami and mineral character.
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Johnnie Walker Blue Label Elusive Umami clocks in at 43% ABV, and has a suggested retail price of $369.99. It will be available starting Oct. 16th, while supplies last.
For more information, check out www.johnniewalker.com.
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